The Prince's Leased Bride

Stuck With You

Alice’s hands were clammy and cold.

She wasn’t sure if it was because of the air conditioning of the restaurant or it was because of the man seated across her. He fitted the descriptions of whatever vague memory she had last night, the sequence of it all was still a blur though.

“Are you not hungry?” his grey eyes looked at her, his gaze scrutinizing.

“Oh-um…” her stomach growled more honestly than her. Damn it, why did Daniel have to go? She would have never expected she’d wish for his presence. He was another mere stranger like the man in front of her. Blake as Daniel called him, somehow he seemed more of a Harold.

“Please eat if you’re famished,” Blake told her, his tone formal and business-like. “Let us have discussion of what occurred last night as we eat.”

The blonde woman choked back a gulp, “Sounds dandy my friend.” Alice would have kicked under the table if it meant relieving her jumpy energy. Alas, they were a bit too close for comfort.

However he was right, a pressing matter was at hand. Or to be more precise, it was on the table prepared just for her.

It was most likely a three-course or five-course meal from the looks of what the others were eating in the main hall. Why else would she enjoy the waft of beef and mushroom soup in front of her? She glanced down at the cutlery and fought back a gasp. Which spoon was she supposed to use? The small one? The medium? Was that a spork?!

A light cough interrupted her, as she caught his gaze on her.

“Excuse me.” He picked up a spoon and began to take a sip. She quickly followed suit, from the next dish and to the next, her eyes keen to glance at where the man lifted one utensil from the next.

Thankfully, it was easy to keep up with the man’s speed. Alice could have probably finished first, but that meant that she’d had to select the correct utensils. Boy, at least she was able to appreciate the different texture and taste on her palette.

“Mmm…” the grilled chicken practically melted in her mouth. She enjoyed chewing it though, now that she thought of it. He wasn’t speaking at all, occasionally did he looked at her but that was pretty much it.

Doesn’t he have anything else to look at? She wondered and glanced around the room.

It was decorated with the usual gold chandeliers as before and painted in hues of sky blue, additionally, there were some gorgeous paintings of men and women.

“Alice.”

“Mphm… yes?!” She nearly coughed on a non-existent bone. It was silly, of course, he’d know her name if they got each other’s suitcase.

“Do you prefer cash or credit?” He took a sip of refreshing lemonade.

What did she miss? “Eh?”

His face was solemn, albeit his eyes brooded for a moment.

“You don’t remember a thing do you?” he asked me, exasperation evident in his tone.

*

She laughed.

Not the loud drunk laugh she kept doing last night, but a real belly laugh. Blake couldn’t help but smile a bit. There was a sheepish look in her eyes as she placed an arm behind her head, “Yeah, I don’t remember a thing.” Somehow, the atmosphere became lighter with just that.

It was silly to see her nervous after her outspoken self from last night, perhaps his intuition and guts worked better than he had assumed. Perhaps this situation could actually work.

“Allow me to explain what happened.”

“Please do, I absolutely had no idea.” Did she scratch her cheek, out of nervousness or habit? He wasn’t sure but it looked adorable. The young woman then sipped on her lemonade.

“We’re getting married.” He spoke to her and immediately regretted it. A splash of semi-warm liquid on his face, he grabbed a napkin and wiped his face. Perhaps, he should have been less frontal on his approach.

“I’m so sorry!” she stood up, an embarrassed look on her face as she walked over to him. “Let me do it.” She took the cloth from his hands.

Blake was positive that his face was red as a tomato, she dabbed the napkin gently on his face. Her movement was meticulous, dabbing with complete precision and absorption on the task. She faltered for a moment and then began dabbing on his suit.

He kept his peace, unwavering to such an act like this. He sighed softly and gazed at her blue eyes, they reminded him of the vast oceans he visited when he was younger. Something he could set sail towards to but never completely grasp.

“If I weren’t so sure that you were shocked,” He chuckled and lifted her face with a finger, her eyes widened like a deer caught by headlights. “it appears like your ‘little accident’ was a diversion to take advantage of me.”

Alice nearly crashed on her butt at his remark, a faint conversation of her promising not to paw off males. Did she fail to fulfill that request? It appeared so, the way the man flirted with her. “What? No never. Don’t feel so flattered.” She tried to shush him and waved a hand at him. Her head was turned down on the floor.

“Please forgive me,” He stood up and held out his hand. The woman took it, fingers gingerly touching his as he pulled her up, and closely at that. “One simply cannot be wary enough, considering that I’m the most eligible bachelor around.” He chuckled as she froze for a moment. That seemed to have struck a chord within her. Did she finally have a clue on who he was? Or did that drink now smelled foul on his tux?

“Is that so?” a smile curved on her lips, although her gaze flittered to the side. “I suppose having a good sense of humor is one of the things that women look for.”

She really had no clue.

It couldn’t be helped if she didn’t… he managed to elude the press and media for a considerable amount of time.

“I’ll have to prove it to you, then.”